How to Plant a Dwarf Nandina Firepower

Nandina firepower (Nandina domestica "Firepower") grows to about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide and is one of the most colorful shrubs for winter interest. The shrub's foliage begins as a lime-green during the spring and summer, changing to a red-orange color in the fall. Nandina is an easy-to-grow shrub because it tolerates a variety of light and soil conditions and requires little, if any, pruning. When planted correctly and properly cared for, you can enjoy this shrub year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10.

1

Select a location for your nandina in the spring. The plant needs a location where it receives full sun to partial shade and protection from cold winds.

2

Dig a hole two times wider than the plant's root ball and deep enough so the nandina is planted at the same depth as it is in the container. When planting more than one plant, space them 24 to 36 inches apart.

3

Add prepared soil compost to the planting hole consisting of equal parts peat and loam. Carefully remove the nandina plant from the container and place it in the hole, adding more prepared soil around the plant. Slowly add water to the hole and firm the soil around the root ball. Water the plant generously for the first couple of days to help it become acclimated its new home.

4

Place mulch a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch with a 12-inch spread around the plant. Mulch helps retain moisture, protects plants from temperature extremes and controls weed growth.

About the Author

Based in Indiana, Molly Allman holds a B.A. in professional writing. She works as both a writer and author and enjoys writing articles on many different topics. She specializes in topics concerning health, crafts, family and lifestyles. Her fiction writing appears in "Bewildering Stories," "The Other Herald" and "Spectacular Speculations."